Future of community groups saved with purchase of Methodist Church

VILLAGERS have cause for celebration after "community power" saved a threatened local asset.

- by OLIVIER VERGNAULT

The Methodist church in Downderry is known as the Zone and is the home of several community groups

Community groups in Downderry said they feared for their future after the Methodist church decided to sell the chapel where they meet.

For the past 15 years Downderry Methodist Church known as The Zone Health and Wellbeing Hub, has been used for activities including dance fitness, table tennis, a craft café, a music club and Bread and Babes, a group for parents, babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

It also regularly hosts dance, film and music events as well as meetings of Deviock Parish Council.

The Zone was registered as an Asset of Community Value in October 2023 under the Localism Act 2011, which introduced a Community Right to Bid.

The Act allows community groups to register their interest in making a bid, and once they have done this they have six months to raise the capital to purchase the asset, during which the owner can’t sell it.